Posted on 09/18/2005 8:41:33 AM PDT by frankjr
***scroll down for an important update***
A number of us in the blogosphere have been catching wind of rumors that a surface-to-air missile was fired at an America West flight originating out of New York. Here's a post at Little Green Footballs, where many commenters are wisely skeptical but wanting more info.
I just got off the phone with Phil Gee, associate manager of media relations at America West, who promptly returned my late evening call. Here's what he told me:
On Sept. 15 (Thursday), America West Flight 17 took off from JFK Airport at 6:05pm EDT [Update: The actual time of departure was 6:49 pm. -MM]. The captain "took the initiative," says Gee, and reported an "irregularity" to air traffic control as the plane was ascending. The plane continued to Phoenix and landed safely at 8:55pm MST. FBI and other authorities met and interviewed all of the crew and passengers on the plane. The investigation is continuing.
Gee would not say whether the pilot or other crew or passengers reported witnessing a missile firing.
"Nothing is confirmed," Gee said.
***
Although one tipster says America West has informed its pilots of the incident, Gee denied that any company bulletin has been issued. Gee mentioned that he had heard that other airline pilots had posted about the incident on an online forum. E-mail or trackback if you have seen other pilot accounts.
***
Update: A government aviation official who asked me not to reveal her name says the "missile siting was [a] false alarm:"
The sighting was reported near Colt's Neck, NJ, which is a major route south out of NY. FAA set up a small temporary flight restriction around the area while checking radar files. Turned out to be nothing more than birds, and [a] big game of "telephone."
***
After seeing Tipper, I don't think that's a rumor...
;o)
"had some people whose flight was delayed on the tarmac for over an hour."
Sounds like an improvement over normal wait times.
You kiddin' me? This was the most fun lead-up to a punchline I've had in a long, long time! :o)
Tell ya what. I'll buy you your beverage of choice, you buy me my beverage of choice, we'll toast and call it even. Deal? :o)
St. Pauli Girl....
If THAT doesn't work, then 2 double Martini's in one glass!
It isn't a deal if your choice is more expensive....
LMAO!
Enjoying some Kauai and Ethiopian right now. Makes me grind my teeth and feel good, too. Zeet!
FWIW, lightning IMO isn't an issue that is forefront in flight safety, however I have billed out repairs to aircraft owners for $100,000 in one shot because of electronic damage and required inspection of engines because of lightning strikes, however lightning strikes to be an immediate safety of flight issue is rare.
I place my opinions on my 30 years of Aviation experience and my toting of a distrust in media ability to report accurately on the spur of the moment in general.
Flight 800, IMO is a questionable synopsis only, post debacle and although wiring in the fuel tank is a viable cause, it is a cause I place low on the list of causes.
This however should not show me as a "knee jerk" reactionary to the likes of bird strikes who totes a paranoid mindset to government.
I'm just too seasoned to fall for such dribble.
Kona Coffee?
I insist that YOU owe me!
Send me some!!!
I'll give up the Pauli and martini for such a winning prize! : )
"Do you know what a MANPAD shot looks like coming at you?"
No, but I know what a MANBAG shot looks like coming at me. Some gay guy at the office got pissed at me and tried to belt me with his "purse". I reported it to the proper authorities.
Airplane:
"He's a menace to himself and everything else in the air ... yes ... birds too."
Hehe. That comedy is so rich I forgot that one, although I do remember the drinking problem.
I know. It's one of the few movies I've seen where you could watch it 20 times and find something funny that you missed.
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